Fatwas are no longer mere answers to legal questions, but they have evolved into a dynamic knowledge and organisational system that engages with real-world challenges, bridging Sharia texts with contemporary societal needs, and promoting social security and human dignity.
Egypt’s Grand Mufti Nazir Ayyad, who is also President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, made the remark on Sunday, a day before the Second International Symposium of the General Secretariat, under the theme “Fatwa and Contemporary Human Issues: Towards Sound Ijtihad Addressing Contemporary Challenges” in Cairo on December 15-16.
Poverty and supporting vulnerable communities are central themes of the symposium.
Sessions will examine how fatwas can activate zakat and waqf (endowments) institutions to combat poverty and transform charitable work into sustainable human investment, including support for small projects.
Ayyad highlighted the role of fatwas in guiding financial acts of worshipsuch as zakat, alms, waqf, expiations, and vowstoward long-term economic empowerment, helping beneficiaries achieve self-sufficiency rather than temporary relief.
The conference will also focus on contemporary health challenges, including vaccination, organ transplantation, gene therapy, ethical use of artificial intelligence in medicine, cosmetic surgery, and other emerging medical issues that require careful collective jurisprudence.
Dar Al-Iftaorganises this conference as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen dialogue, institutionalise sound ijtihad, and foster cooperation between fatwa and research institutions globally.
